The Safe House Project 2009 for Displaced & Homeless MSM/Transgender reviewed & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ Youth in New Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Friday, March 22, 2013

A Neighbour's take on the Homeless MSM New Kgn matters ...............

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The following is a contributed article by a neighbour close to the controversial homelessness issue in New Kingston who has some serious concerns, as per usual not only my points of view are posted here but contributed pieces are accepted provided they meet my approval and deal directly with the issue(s) as subjected.

Posting contributed articles is in no way an endorsement of the points of view expressed there in but act as an outlet for airing issues.

The neighbour wrote:

Five months ago, I wrote to this blog and on GLBTQ Jamaica contributing a piece on the real state of the homeless issue and Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and J-FLAG as I saw it. Though I have never been approached by anyone regarding the article, I’m fully aware how widely read and circulated it was. I’m not naïve nor a stranger to the circles touched upon so word, as is habit, got back to me as to who felt offended or thanked me for having the courage to speak out.

That article dealt mostly with a very lop-sided view of advocacy by a former Executive Director of JASL, essentially painting herself as a lone voice in a wilderness of an uncaring advocacy structure. While I still hold to the view that this is vanity on her part, I went on to state—and still believe—that her dedication to helping LGBT and the neediest cannot be questioned. I like to think of myself as a fair individual so it takes little from me to state that much. Now, as the time has passed, one can assess what has followed since she left.

Mark you, I have stopped volunteering at JASL for years now but as a neighbor I can say things have not really improved since her resignation. Let me clarify: the human interaction is no longer there and the staff keeps mostly to itself, almost in perpetual defense mode. One can hardly blame them at times though given the ridiculous state in which they work.

J-FLAG has remained by and large unchanged, which is of greater concern. Five months ago, my main concern was the constant ignored state of the homeless guys’ behavior by advocates and it remains that way. J-FLAG has dug into its heels that the state of gay-rights remains squarely a “us vs. them’ showdown…effectively saying to all, “we’ll back these guys no matter what” instead of examining what is helping to isolate the community. If the former ED foolishly felt “scum” behavior could be just substitute for advocacy, then J-FLAG which scorned her for such a stance, has done nothing but adopt that same principle. It’s advocates put down any divisive argument, anything that paints a realistically unruly sector of the community, in swift tweets, letters et al. It’s as if there is a desperate need to quiet anyone who doesn’t share the hardline “us vs them” view. You’re marked as ‘homophobic’ or ‘fight ‘gainst’…

A stance for which they are now paying a huge price: the landlady of the premises, fed up with the constant complaints, has sold the property. The eviction notes state that by March month-end, the property will cease being hers. What does this mean? J-FLAG and JASL now find themselves with just a little under three (3) weeks to find alternative lodgings.

I was told about the impending state from last year December and felt torn by it. I too am being dislodged and not for any of my own doing. In fact, I can well imagine irresponsible tongues even waging that I had some influence in the matter. It is sad because New Kingston was a great convenience to me but not anymore, both for work and personal reasons. I was moving anyway but I had grown fond of the area. But, in principle I’m glad the landlady finally took action that anyone else would have taken years ago. Things have been said to me in confidence and I shall not repeat but just as how both organizations have not been good neighbours for a long time, they’ve been bad tenants too.

Now, it will force them both to change idealism and how they treat others around them. Unless they find accommodations by themselves, they can no longer have their visitors dominating everything. They will be forced to be more cautious, more considerate of other people’s rights. J-FLAG especially seems to have lost this common decency factor.

J-FLAG is not a practical organization either. Imagine my shock being told by their representatives that the organization cannot afford security. A gay-rights organization is a group I’d imagine needs security more than any other –not just from outside harm but from the very community it defends so stoutly. Lord knows, I don’t need to fabricate occasions of violence that certain pockets of the homeless guys have subjected upon J-FLAG staff. The head of the organization I hope will rectify this inane state when they move to another place because they’ll never have a great spot like this one and no matter where they go, the homeless guys will follow. He is not firm in his leadership either and this façade of unity within the organization over his rule is just that, a façade. The next three weeks will be crucial to their survival, so I hope they are prepared.

As things stand here now, both groups have allowed the homeless guys to live on the property since last Saturday. This entails them occupying virtually the entire outside grounds. So, as I type, even my clothes line is filled with their clothes, my other neighbours’ water tap used regularly, endless visitors streaming in, countless and vulgar and loud arguments 24/7. I have been watching and waiting for some explanation from either group as to the reason for this but they remain silent. Even now, as we all wind down living here, the gross disrespect JASL and J-FLAG mete out to us remains astonishing. These are groups after all that fight against discrimination for their clients respectively yet can turn around comfortably see beneath their noses me and my neighbor and feel satisfied. They do not put a check on the guys here after all, in fact, one person even had the audacity to ask me not to tell the guys they’re moving! Imagine, the cowardice. Yet again, these rowdy street boys are being used and duped without even realizing why.

Naturally, I have taken it upon myself to let the guys know that everyone will be leaving the compound. I don’t work for them so I’m under no clause to keep my mouth shut, worse when I’m being directly affected. They have a right to know and not to have J-FLAG sneak out leave them like that. I have not approached J-FLAG either because my own moving process is nearly here, far away from this current mess, never to interact with these individuals again in person. I’m past even looking at these issues now but a huge part of me is very much satisfied that they’re being uprooted for a matter that—with better management than what is in place now—could have been avoided. It’s time someone made their sloppy ways count in a way that hurts. Good luck o their hunt for accommodations…which I’m sure they’ll find before they find accommodations for these homeless guys. A type of hypocrisy I bet the advocates won’t write letters to the newspapers about.

Neighbour

Thursday, March 14, 2013

JFLAG's Programmes Mgr on Do Homosexuals Have A Place In Jamaica ?

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By Jaevion Nelson published in the Gleaner 14.03.12

He wrote:


FOR SOME strange reason we have concluded that retaining the buggery law can prevent people from being born homosexual. On top of that, we want nothing to do with homosexuality but talk about it, usually expressing disparage, at every waking moment in songs, political speeches, and sermons. In Jamaica, your (gay or lesbian) sexual orientation is an axis on which grave discrimination and even violence occurs but the commonplace homophobia is often denied.

In a contribution in the Winter 2010 edition of Americas Quarterly Magazine, entitled 'The Advocate', I highlighted that "the dominant heterosexual culture [in Jamaica] continues to breed intolerance, revealed in inadequate public policies" and laws to all sectors of society including educational and religious institutions.

Notwithstanding the antipathy which exists, more and more Jamaicans are becoming open about their sexual orientation. Many people see persons they think are homosexual - usually effeminate males and 'masculine' females - and conclude that we are not homophobic. People who are opposed to constitutional provisions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seemingly think their brothers and sisters who are non-heterosexual are not deserving of being called Jamaican.

Nothing could be more ludicrous. How can this be so when so many LGBT people are active participants in the development of Jamaica. As my friend Javed Jaghai, an openly gay Jamaican, said, "if every gay person working in mass media, law, government, banking and insurance, tourism and the performing arts were to take a year-long leave of absence tomorrow, their sudden departure would send tremors through the various sectors."

Regrettably, LGBT people's contribution to our national vision to make Jamaica a developed country by 2030 will never truly materialise with the distinctions which currently exist in our society about the respect for one set of people over another. The majority of a subsample of businesspeople in the 2012 National Survey on Homophobiarevealed they would not readily hire a gay or lesbian person. It is my hope that all Jamaicans will recognise and appreciate that a country is enriched when it reaches out to all its citizens, enshrines the dignity of all and celebrates diversity. A contrary approach, which criminalises those who do no harm to others, makes outcasts of some and narrows the definition of who is truly Jamaican.

It is my firm belief that more must be done and can be done to achieve our national vision to ensure that the "Jamaican society is secure, cohesive and just" by promoting tolerance and respect for human rights and freedoms, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, disability or health status.

Contribution to development

Importantly, despite what appears to be widespread fear of and dislike for homosexuals in Jamaica, many respondents in the National Survey of Attitudes and Perceptions to Same-sex Relationships, conducted in 2010 by Professor Ian Boxill, readily point out that persons who are homosexual make an important contribution to the society. Most Jamaicans believe that homosexuals are and can be productive members of society. They conceded, on some level, that many homosexuals are 'normal' and that they may be interacting with us every day and not know our sexual orientation.

As Jamaicans, we should all lend our support to human rights advocacy so our Government can demonstrate leadership and protect members of the LGBT community. Already, a third of Jamaicans believe they aren't doing enough in this regard. We must take important steps to make Jamaica the country for people to live, work, raise families and do business. We should ensure that the Jamaican law is based on the concepts of inclusivity and dignity, and on an appreciation of contemporary science on human sexuality, not on prejudice, fear and misinformation.

This is achievable given that the Government has on more than one occasion committed itself to protect persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity from human-rights abuses at the regional and international levels. These commitments encourage us to condemn, and take steps to address, all areas of human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We have already articulated the need to address human rights violations throughout Vision 2030, the national development plan.

As J-FLAG, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, has said, "We must commit to rebuild this great nation on the principle of understanding ourselves and fellow men and women. Each of us should invest in promoting equality ... Gay or straight, Christian or non-Christian, JLP or PNP, let us use our talents and resources for the betterment of our country."

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, HIV and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jaevion@gmail.com.


ENDS

Nice articles are good, flowery and stuff but my question to Mr Nelson as Programs Manager for JFLAG where oh where are the programs for the homeless MSM in particular and the needed interventions to foster real tolerance in our community FIRST before we go mainstream demanding it? The men are still struggling and as the Education Officer of the J says in the video below the J needs to take its own advice @ 3:08 on the issue of class etc


The public agitation sometimes smacks of a kind of institutional hypocrisy that rubs some of us the wrong way. Why is there continued limited interest in addressing some of the challenges with displaced and homeless persons?

Think on these things

Peace and tolerance

H

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Loss of a community stalwart .....................

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As per numerous request for a post on the passing of Mr. Leonard Officer on March 4th here is a small entry in remembrance of him, one of a few of my best friends in recent times. He was very instrumental with his then partner after my run in with the law in 1996 in my recovery via group support and just pure kindness of both gentlemen's part. His warm smile is what most would remember him for and calm demeanor however it was the vogue nights and the semi cross dressed session roaring with laughter when we shared a flat together in the Mountain View area then again in the Kingston 10 area. The other issues we share privately as several issues were close to his heart including homelessness having come through the state care system he understood fully the attendant challenges on the road to independence.

He often would order his dancemusic CDs to practice the latest hand moves for parties at the time and the occasional impromptu alternative cross dress with a sheet or rag in heels while darting across the floor much to the gasps of onlookers.

photo from the memorial service March 9, 2013






His memorial service on Saturday March 9, 2013 at the Romans Chapel was well attended with standing room only was testament to the impact he had on not only the LGBT community by his associations with the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, JASL but also other philanthropic groups as well one of which he was the general secretary. Noticeably absent were JFLAG representatives at the Executive level and some other community influentials but the over two hour service was good for the most part.

There was a period however where battle lines were drawn in a sense as the various speakers from the representative groups seemed to claim him for themselves albeit during his final weeks prior to his passing in the hospital there was very little assistance from one noted group and a flimsy excuse for a mistake he made while engaged there by driving a motor vehicle from the property without the requisite permissions seemed to have been used to justify their separation from his contract. 

This revelation in the service did not sit well with some in attendance as it smacks of a kind of contempt and arrogance that rears its ugly head every now and again from persons who ought to know better. It was suggested that due to the insistence of one social group to carry the costs of the ceremony and certain behind the scenes comments the rift played out during the respective elements of the program.

Persons were visible repulsed and shocked in some sense by the action by the speaker who gave his perspective which we found most inappropriate given the solemness the occasion demanded then came the other links to homosexuality and a suggested reparative session by a religious member of the other social group.

However the old faces who turned up to show their respects was heart warming:

Rest in Peace

Leonard aka Slutskier

Walk Good

Peace and tolerance

H

Friday, March 8, 2013

Star News: Man & Male student caught in bathroom ....

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So another one has made it to the headlines and we aren't showing any signs of getting tired of the steady diet of sensational stories often embellished to sell papers of course, I am almost sure there was a second edition on the same day of the publication which usually happens when the first one sells out .... they print a new hard copy headlined edition to continue selling.

Let us see what the tabloid had to say this time around in this one.

Andre and Sheldon Williams wrote:

Police personnel attached to the St Andrew Central police yesterday morning accosted two students and an adult after they were allegedly caught in a compromising position at a popular food establishment, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching THE STAR is that police officers who were on patrol in Half-Way Tree encountered the group inside the restaurant. They became suspicious after the students and the adult began panicking on the approach of the police party.

Our news team understands that at the time they were seen, school would have already been in session.

An eyewitness told THE STAR that they saw when the police spoke briefly to the students and another male before they were searched and carried away.

"I hear two male adults and one male child get caught having sex in ... this morning, then they say it is a student from ... , then I hear they were held and handed over to the Half-Way Tree police," a bystander said.

Our news team gathered that the group was thereafter escorted to the nearby Half-Way Tree Transport Centre to a police post where they were examined and questioned.

When our news team visited the location, we were told by a security guard on duty at the mall where the fast food restaurant is located that "dem ketch dem a have threesome."

He was unable to provide additional details but admitted that his account was mere hearsay.

When THE STAR contacted the Transport Centre police, an officer disclosed, "I have been hearing that they were allegedly caught in a compromising position, however, I cannot confirm that because when they were turned over to us by the police, that was not disclosed."

THE STAR was also told that the detained students along with the adult had in their possession a tablet and a high-end cell phone for which they could not properly account for and told the police they were at the restaurant making a trade.

The police told THE STAR, "They told us they were making a trade of the devices, however, they could not readily show ownership and the police are trying to establish ownership. No one could say how they came by the devices or produce any documents."

Meanwhile, head of The St Andrew Central Police Division, SSP Fitz Bailey, told our news team that he was unaware of the incident at the time of our enquiry.


ENDS

Obviously a ephebophile or hebephile construct is what is at work here to suggest the man may have offered the tablet pc etc in exchange for sex in a public bathroom!!!? and knowing how Jamaicans feel about that, either some one is lying here or the men are stupid to be in a public space doing this kind of act knowing the University of Technology incident is still fresh in the minds of many locals and the subsequent positive stance taken by the faculty members there to launch a sensitization program for tolerance the only drawback is that persons have to pay in some part to participate in the activities event though it is funded by the European Union to the tune of one million Jamaican dollars.

Peace and tolerance

H

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Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

This blog contains pictures and images that may be disturbing. As we seek to highlight the plight of victims of homophobic violence here in Jamaica, the purpose of the pics is to show physical evidence of claims of said violence over the years and to bring a voice of the same victims to the world.

Many recover over time, at pains, as relocation and hiding are options in that process. Please view with care or use the Happenings section to select other posts of a different nature.

Not all persons depicted in photos are gay or lesbian and it is not intended to portray them as such, save and except for the relevance of the particular post under which they appear.

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

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Other Blogs I write to:

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APJ Website Launch & Link


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1




audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

The Hypocrisy of Jamaican Anti Gay Groups & Selective Actions of Societal Ills


The selectivity of the anti gay religious voices on so called societal ills is examined in this podcast as other major issues that require the "church" to have spoken up including sexual abuse by pastors in recent times yet mere silence on those matters is highlighted.

Why are these groups and so called child rights activists creating mass hysteria and have so much strength for HOMOSEXUALITY but are quiet on corruption in government, missing children, crime in the country and so much more but want to stop same gender loving persons from enjoying peace of mind and PRIVACY?

Also is the disturbing tactic of deliberately conflating paedophilia with same gender sex as if to suggest reforming the buggery law will cause an influx of buggered children when we know that is NOT TRUE.

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



When are lives interrupted be allowed a real honest chance to move from interruption to independence and stability? I just cannot tell you friends.

An article appeared in the gleaner today that just sent me into sadness mode again with this ugly business of LGBTQI homelessness. The author of the piece needs an intervention too as he (Ryon Jones) uses terms such as cross dressers and or homeless men which if transgender persons are present they cannot be described or seen as such, sigh another clear display of the lack of impact and reach of so called advocacies and advocates who are more interested in parading as working but really aint having much impact as they ought to or claim.

We are told of houses being put together from time in memorial; the Dwayne’s House project seems dead in the water, the Larry Chang (named after a JFLAG cofounder) seems stuck in the mud and Colour Pink’s so called Rainbow House seems insignificant in relation to the size and scope of the national problem. JFLAG as presented on this blog is obviously not interested in getting their hands dirty really on homelessness save and except for using the populations as cannon fodder and delegating same; as far as I am concerned presenting them as victims of homophobia which is true but where are the programs and the perceived millions donated or granted since President Obama’s visit to address LGBTQ matters?

More HERE

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria



Just as I researched on-line in NOT EVEN five minutes and found a plethora of information and FACTS on Sexual Grooming (and thanks to Dr Karen Carpenter for some valuable insight I found out what Sexual Grooming was) so too must these fanatics go and do the same and stop creating panic in the country.

The hysteria continues from the Professor Bain so called protests to protect freedom of speech and bites at the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively continues via Duppies Dupe UWI articles when the bigger principle of the conflict of interest in regards to the greater imperative of removing/preserving archaic buggery laws in the Caribbean dependent on which side one sits is of greater import when the professor’s court testimony in Belize went against the imperative of CHART/PANCAP goals is the more germane matter of which he was former head now temporarily reinstated via a court ex-parte injunction. The unnecessary uproar and shouting from the same hysterical uninformed quarters claiming moral concerns ....... MORE CLICK HERE

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

In a shocking move JFLAG decided not to invite or include homeless MSM in their IDAHO activity for 2013 thus leaving many in wonderment as to the reason for their existence or if the symposium was for "experts" only while offering mere tokenism to homeless persons in the reported feeding program. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ENTRY HERE sad that the activity was also named in honour of one of JFLAG's founders who joined the event via Skype only to realize the issue he held so dear in his time was treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Have LGBT NGOs lost their way and are so mainstream they have forgotten their true calling?

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

Steps to take when confronted by the police & your rights compromised:


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tense

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated

i) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

Vacant at Last! ShoemakerGully: Displaced MSM/Trans Persons were is cleared December 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:

the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


May 22, 2015, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

The same cop who has factored in so many run-ins with the youngsters in the Shoemaker Gully (often described as a sewer by some activists) has delivered on a promise of his powerpoint presentation on a solution to the issue in New Kingston, problem is it is the same folks who abandoned the men (their predecessors) from the powerful cogs of LGBT/HIV that are in earshot of his plan.

This ugly business of LGBTQ homelessness and displacements or self imposed exile by persons has had several solutions put forth, problem is the non state actors in particular do not want to get their hands dirty as the more combative and political issues to do with buggery's decriminalization or repeal have risen to the level of importance more so than this. Let us also remember this is like the umpteenth meeting with the cops, some of the LGBT homeless persons and the advocacy structure.

Remember JFLAG's exclusion of the group from that IDAHO symposium on LGBT homelessess? See HERE, how can we ask the same people who only want to academise and editorialise the issue to also try to address their own when they do not want to get their hands dirty but publish wonderful reports as was done earlier this month, see HERE: (re)Presenting and Redressing LGBT Homelessness in Jamaica: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Anti-Gay Related Displacement also LGBT homelessness has always been with us from the records of Gay Freedom Movement(1974) to present but the current issues started from 2009, see: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009 as carried on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch. CLICK HERE for FULL post of this story.

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





Radio program Everywoman on Nationwide Radio 90FM March 20th 2014 with Dr Karen Carpenter as stand-in host with a transgender activist and co-founder of Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica and a gender non conforming/lesbian guest as well on the matters of identity, sex reassignment surgery and transexuality.

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

BUSINESS DOWNTURN FOR THE WEED-WHACKING PROJECT FOR FORMER DISPLACED ST CATHERINE MSM



As promised here is another periodical update on an income generating/diligence building project now in effect for some now seven former homeless and displaced MSM in St Catherine, it originally had twelve persons but some have gotten jobs elsewhere, others have simply walked away and one has relocated to another parish, to date their weed whacking earning business capacity has been struggling as previous posts on the subject has brought to bear.

Although some LGBT persons residing in the parish have been approached by yours truly and others to increase client count for the men costs such as gas and maintenance of the four machines that are rotated between the enrolled men are rising weekly literally while the demand is instead decreasing due to various reasons.



Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.


What to Do .....




a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

If one is locked up then the following may apply:
Locked up over a weekend - Arrested pursuant to being charged or detained There must be reasonable suspicion i.e. about to commit a crime, committing a crime or have committed a crime.

There are two standards that must be met:

1). Subjective standard: what the officer(s) believed to have happened

2). Objective standard: proper and diligent collection of evidence that implicates the accused To remove or restrain a citizen’s liberty it cannot be done on mere suspicion and must have the above two standards

 Police officers can offer bail with exceptions for murder, treason and alleged gun offences, under the Justice of the Peace Act a JP can also come to the police station and bail a person, this provision as incorporated into the bail act in the late nineties

 Once a citizen is arrested bail must be considered within twelve hours of entering the station – the agents of the state must give consideration as to whether or not the circumstances of the case requires that bail be given

 The accused can ask that a Justice of the Peace be brought to the station any time of the day. By virtue of taking the office excluding health and age they are obliged to assist in securing bail

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

 Bail is offered at the courts office provided it was extended by the court; it is the court that has the jurisdiction over the police with persons in custody is concerned.

 Bail can still be offered if you were arrested and charged without being taken to court a JP can still intervene and assist with the bail process.

Other Points of Interest

 The accused has a right to know of the exact allegation

 The detainee could protect himself, he must be careful not to be exposed to any potential witness

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

 If over a long period without charge a writ of habeas corpus however be careful of the police doing last minute charges so as to avoid an error

 Every instance that a matter is brought before the court and bail was refused before the accused can apply for bail as it is set out in the bail act as every court appearance is a chance to ask for bail

 Each case is determined by its own merit – questions to be considered for bail:

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

b) Are there any other charges that the police may place against the accused?

c) Is the accused likely to interfere with any witnesses?

d) What is the strength of the crown’s/prosecution’s case?

 Poor performing judges can be dealt with at the Judicial Review Court level or a letter to the Chief Justice can start the process

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

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Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

  • To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus

  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

Tel: 1-876-841-2923
lgbtevent@gmail.com








Peace

Battle Lines Javed Jaghai versus the state & the Jamaica Buggery Law



Originally aired on CVM TV December 8th 2013, apologies for some of the glitches as the source feed was not so hot and it kept dropping from source or via the ISP, NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED and is solely for educational and not for profit use and review. The issue of the pending legal challenge in the Constitutional Court in Jamaica as filed by Javed Jaghai an outspoken activist who happens also to be openly aetheist.

The opposing sides are covered as well such as
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society
The Love March
Movement Jamaica

The feature seems destined for persons who are just catching up to the issues and repositioning JFLAG in particular in the public domain as their image has taken a beating in some respects especially on the matter of the homeless MSM front. They need to be careful that an elitist perception is not held after this after some comments above simplistic discourse, the use of public agitation as beneath some folks and the obvious overlooking of the ordinary citizen who are realy the ones who need convincing to effect the mindset change needed and the national psyche's responses to homosexuality in general.


John Maxwell's House